OPTN Modernization: AST's Strategic Approach, Stakeholder Engagement, and Impact
Dear Colleagues,
I write to you today regarding the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) reform and modernization initiative currently being implemented by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). As you know, this federal oversight initiative has a variety of implications for the field of solid organ transplantation and the important patient population that we serve. For those of you that attended the recent American Transplant Congress (ATC) in Philadelphia, you know that this regulatory oversight topic was front-of-mind for all involved, including patients, families, physicians, and the entire transplant community broadly defined. There is no question that the topic of OPTN reform and modernization has generated passionate discussion, debate, and strong feelings from within our community as well as outside external stakeholders. As such, I want to take this opportunity to provide an update of past, present, and future actions taken by the American Society of Transplantation (AST) to impact and lead during this time of reform and modernization.
AST Strategic Approach
Let me be clear that the AST leadership has remained close and fully engaged with HHS HRSA, Capitol Hill, the patient community, and within our own ranks throughout the entire process of OPTN modernization and reform. The Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and our OPTN Modernization Task Force have worked on an almost daily basis responding to and educating key decision-makers as this process has evolved. As in the past, AST leaders have sought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to ensure a strong voice and seat-at-the table for shaping OPTN modernization now and in the future.
Society Engagement
AST has worked collaboratively with all stakeholders from the transplant community, the Administration, and Congress since the OPTN modernization and reform initiative was first initiated at the legislative and regulatory branch implementation levels. Some of these activities include (but not limited to) ongoing robust dialogue with:
OPTN Leadership
Patient Community
Stakeholder Organizations
Capitol Hill
HHS HRSA
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
During these discussions we have strongly advocated for transparency in the reform process and increased ongoing communication so that we and the entire transplant community remain well informed of anticipated changes and timelines. In addition, we will continue to represent those disadvantaged groups (minorities, children, specific disease groups among others) in our efforts for this reform. We are committed to championing that access to transplant for all patients is not negatively impacted by any of these changes.
Leadership & Being Part of the Solution Moving Forward
As we move forward, rest assured that the AST will continue to thoughtfully navigate the OPTN reform and modernization initiative with a strong focus on protecting and serving the reason we are all here-our patients. And please do not be confused regarding the Society’s thoughtful and deliberate policy strategy. This collaborative and proactive approach has served the AST well in advancing our legislative and regulatory priorities for many years. Finally, we do ask our AST members to confer with leadership when representing the AST in OPTN Modernization discussions to be consistent with our society views.
I look forward to continuing to provide you with regular OPTN reform and modernization policy updates. In the interim, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via our AST Public Policy Form with your concerns or ideas.
Sincerely,
Jon Kobashigawa, MD
AST President
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